Nigeria has evacuated another 271 citizens from South Africa following widespread anti-migrant protests that forced businesses to close and heightened fears of xenophobic attacks
South Africa Anti-Migrant Protests: Nigeria Evacuates 271 Citizens as Businesses Shut Down
Nigeria has evacuated another 271 citizens from South Africa as widespread anti-migrant protests swept across the country, forcing businesses, shopping malls and markets to shut down amid growing fears of xenophobic attacks.
The latest evacuation, carried out aboard an Air Peace flight that landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, has pushed the total number of Nigerians airlifted from South Africa to more than 600. The Federal Government said additional evacuation flights had been arranged for citizens who voluntarily chose to return home as tensions continue to rise.
The protests, organised by anti-immigration groups demanding the deportation of undocumented migrants, prompted authorities to place security agencies on high alert across South Africa. Police arrested several suspects over incidents of looting and vandalism as isolated violence erupted in parts of the country despite appeals for calm.
Ahead of the demonstrations, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged protesters to exercise restraint, acknowledging public concerns over illegal migration while emphasising that many foreign nationals live legally in the country and contribute significantly to its economy.
“The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence,” he said.
Despite the warning, violence flared in some communities. Police arrested five suspects accused of looting a foreign-owned shop in Soweto, Johannesburg, while protesters smashed windows of residential buildings in Yeoville, a suburb home to many African migrants. Another five people were arrested after allegedly breaking into a shop in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal.
The demonstrations followed weeks of anti-immigrant mobilisation by groups accusing foreign nationals of taking jobs, fuelling crime and placing pressure on public services. One of the groups, March and March, had demanded the “immediate massive deportation of all illegal foreigners” by June 30.
The unrest has already claimed lives. At least three foreign nationals, including two Mozambicans and one Malawian, have reportedly been killed in attacks over the past month, while hundreds of migrants have sought refuge in churches and mosques.
South African authorities disclosed that about 50,000 undocumented migrants have been detained since January, with approximately 25,000 already repatriated to their respective countries.
Reports from across South Africa indicated that commercial activities slowed dramatically as residents stayed indoors. President of the Nigeria Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, said fear had emptied streets and closed businesses.
“This morning, everywhere is quiet. People are all indoors. Shops are closed. Businesses are closed. Malls and supermarkets are all closed,” he said.
According to Onyekwelu, police, soldiers and metro police officers maintained a heavy security presence to prevent the protests from degenerating into widespread violence and looting. He revealed that tensions nearly escalated on Monday after some foreign nationals confronted protesters over repeated intimidation before security personnel restored order.
Nigeria has also stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pretoria. The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs, Ademola Oshodi, warned that Nigeria would not tolerate continued attacks on its citizens.
Speaking on Al Jazeera, Oshodi urged South African authorities to investigate all reported attacks, protect foreign nationals, restrain vigilante groups and prosecute those responsible. He also called for the immediate activation of the Nigeria-South Africa Early Warning Mechanism.
“South Africa has the sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, but that responsibility must be exercised through lawful institutions and not by mobs or vigilante groups.
“No African should be attacked, threatened, denied healthcare, pushed out of business or humiliated because of where they come from.”
Reflecting on the long-standing ties between both countries, Oshodi added: “Nigeria stood with South Africa during the struggle against apartheid. That history carries weight.
“But friendship cannot mean silence when Nigerian lives are at risk.”
Many of the evacuees returned home with stories of hardship, loss and humiliation after years of living in South Africa. They were received by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies, who assured them of reintegration support.
The Federal Government distributed food items, drinks and toiletries, while MTN Nigeria provided SIM cards loaded with airtime worth ₦50,000 alongside ₦100,000 cash support for each returnee. The Imo State Government pledged ₦1 million to every returning indigene, Harvesters Church announced ₦1 million support packages, while the Edo State Government offered transportation and promised additional reintegration assistance.
Director-General of the Edo Migration Agency, Lucky Agazuma, said Governor Monday Okpebholo remained committed to helping affected citizens rebuild their lives.
Several returnees recounted losing businesses, homes and livelihoods during the unrest. Emmanuela Akagbosun described years of hard work ending in rejection.
“They do not want to see foreigners, especially Nigerians. They now invade people’s homes, throw out their property and ask them to leave,” she said.
Another returnee, Joan, lamented the destruction of the business she built over 15 years.
“I am homeless now. Where do I start from? The Federal Government and my state must come to my aid,” she said.
Izuna Fidelis alleged that some immigration officials routinely harassed Nigerians and demanded bribes before processing residency documents. The returnees also rejected allegations that Nigerians dominate the illicit drug trade in South Africa, insisting that the overwhelming majority are law-abiding entrepreneurs and professionals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the evacuees throughout the journey and pledged that evacuation efforts would continue until every Nigerian willing to return home had been airlifted. The ministry also said diplomatic engagement with South African authorities would continue to protect Nigerians residing legally in the country while facilitating the voluntary return of those affected by the ongoing immigration crackdown.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard M. Doro, commended the 271 Nigerians for returning safely, stressing that they had not been deported for criminal offences but voluntarily returned after enduring difficult circumstances while trying to earn an honest living.
He said the Tinubu administration remained committed to protecting the dignity and welfare of Nigerians abroad, describing reintegration as a process that extends beyond airport reception to include humanitarian assistance, profiling, referrals and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Doro called on state governments, development partners, the private sector and local communities to support the returnees, describing successful reintegration as “a shared responsibility.”
The minister also praised the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NiDCOM, NEMA, the Nigeria Immigration Service, FAAN, Port Health Services and Air Peace for coordinating the evacuation. NCFRMI Director of Migrants Affairs, Catherine Udida, said the commission remains focused on helping returnees reconnect with opportunities and rebuild their lives with confidence.
